The Asuka Period (飛鳥時代) occurred between the fifth and sixth centuries from 538 to 710 AD. In Japan, a way of counting time is by periods or eras (元号; gengō or 年号; nengō). This period was marked by art, architecture, Buddhism, and the evolution of the Yamato government. Now let’s delve a little into the history of Japan to learn more about this important era in history.
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History and origin of the Asuka Period
Currently, Asuka is a city located in the south of the city of Nara. It is still possible to observe some characteristics of this period through the existing architectures in the area.
When talking about the Asuka Period, it is most common to associate it with the era responsible for arts and Japanese architectures. In fact, the proposal for this name came from art scholars, Sekino Tadasu and Okakura around 1900.
During this period, Japan was also undergoing a name change; it did not yet have the designation we know today. The name changed from Wa (倭) to Nihon (日本).
Yamato Government in the Asuka Period
The Yamato Government, also known as the ‘Yamato Period,’ was a centralized rule of Japan carried out by the Yamato Court. It was during this government that lasted through the Asuka era that Japan underwent significant changes, mainly related to culture and religiosity.
Previously, Japanese territory was contested by clans, but the Yamato dynasty managed to unify the nation around the second century. Despite some conflicts, this government managed to maintain relative peace. Thus, the Japanese began to develop more in terms of culture and architecture, but initially based on China.
During the early period, the Soga-no-Umako clan managed to reach the court through marriages. By the end of the seventh century, Empress Suiko took power, and her nephew, Prince Shôtoku, became governor.
Prince Shôtoku was a Buddhist and followed Confucian teachings. He ended up expanding the Buddhist religion. Therefore, this period is seen as the construction of great Buddhist temples.
Prince Shôtoku also developed the Seventeen Article Constitution (十七 条 憲法), which emphasized Buddhist and Confucian teachings, highlighting the morals and virtues expected of government officials and their subjects.
In addition, he began to adopt the Chinese calendar. But mainly, he dedicated himself to the dissemination of Buddhism in Japan by sending students to China. These changes significantly helped Japan, especially in its relationship with China.
If you want to know more about this prince and the changes he managed to implement in Japan, there is the film Shotoku Taishi. It is a Japanese film set during the sixth century.
Reform after the prince’s death
Prince Shotôku died at the age of 48 in 622 AD. After his death, the Soga clan increased its power. In 645, Emperor Kotoku (孝徳天皇) established a set of doctrines that were written after the prince’s death, known as the Taika Reforms (大化の改新).
Then, a new control system was instituted, originating from the Chinese governmental structure, which positively affected land reform and strengthened the power of the imperial court.
The end of the Asuka period was marked by an administrative reorganization called the Taihō Code (a renewal of the Ritsuryō System). This code initially drew inspiration from China but later underwent further adaptation. Confucianism was taken as inspiration for this code, which is why its punishments were milder.
Taoism and its influence in Japan
In addition to Buddhism, Taoism also began to have more influence in Japan during the Asuka Period. Taoism is more considered a set of teachings and philosophies than a religion. This belief is based on the idea that human beings should live in harmony with nature as they are part of it.
Like Buddhism, Taoism had Chinese influence. In the seventh century, a temple was built on Mount Tonomine. Shortly after, Taoist teachings were fused with Shinto and Buddhism, resulting in new rituals.
Culture of the Asuka Period
The beliefs marked this period, so there were certainly many temples dedicated to them. But besides the temples, there were paintings and sculptures, some also directed towards Buddhism.
Sculptures were essential for worship, which is why some used in that era still exist today. Many are found in museums, as it is the best way to preserve history.
Each of the pieces shows local influences, but also from other places, such as China and Asia. Unfortunately, there are not many paintings from this period, as they have been lost over time.
And something that always stands out when passing through periods of time is clothing. It is a way to know the era one lived in, thus also contributing to culture. During the Taika Reforms (645), a common piece worn by Emperors and men connected to the court was a type of hat called Kanmuri.
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